I'll wait for you

Chapter 9: The Long Haul

It was a Sunday morning, and Dorothy was up early making oatmeal for breakfast. She wanted to ensure that everyone in the house had something to eat before they went to church. Otis went to wake up Michelle and Jasmine for breakfast, and the family all sat around the table to eat.

Dorothy said to Michelle, "The pastor and members of the church will be so happy to see you. It's been a long time since you've been to your home church."

Michelle replied, "I know, I miss hearing all of that good singing. Mama, are you going to lead a song this morning?"

Dorothy answered, "Yes, I'm going to sing your favorite song, "Jesus is on the main line."

Otis looked up at the clock on the wall and said, "Look at the time, we need to start getting ready. We don't want to be late for church." The family quickly got dressed and headed to church.

Paul was sitting in the middle section of the pews when he saw Jasmine and Michelle walk into the church. Paul signaled for Jasmine to come sit with him. He had started to develop feelings for Jasmine and hoped she felt the same way. Michelle got a chance to sit next to Kim, Paul's mother. They were able to catch up and talk after church was over.

Jasmine and Michelle had a great time during the service. Jasmine was pleasantly surprised to hear her grandmother sing, as she had no idea her grandmother had such a beautiful singing voice.

After Church, Otis took his family to a steakhouse for a meal. While they were eating, Otis asked, "Well, family what do y'all want to do next?"

Michelle informed her father, "Kim invited Jasmine and me over to their house to hang out."

Dorothy suggested, "Let's let the girls go to Kim's house to spend time with them and we go to the shopping center"

Otis was confused and asked, "Why do we needed to go there?"

Dorothy explained, "I just want to browse around the stores."

Otis looked at his wife jokingly and said, "In other words, you want to spend money. I hadn't planned on spending my Sunday this way, but since you're cute and I love you, I'm going to join you."

Dorothy laughed and said, "I know it's not. I love you too. I'll make sure it's worth it."

Otis and Dorothy dropped off Michelle and Jasmine and went to the shopping center. They spent two hours window shopping and eating ice cream. Dorothy also bought Otis a new foot and back massager to avoid rubbing his feet. When they got home, Otis tried out the massager while watching the Sunday football game.
Dorthy informed him, "I'm headed to Sunday evening tea with the ladies from church."
Otis replied, "Tell them women don't they have you out all time of night. You can only be out for 30 minutes well I'm going to be nice and extend it to an hour since you got me this nice massager."
Dorthy laughed so loud that she said, "I love you too old man. You keep me tickled at some of the things you say but a curfew! That's a good one!" She kissed Otis on the forehead laughing hysterically as she left.
As Otis relaxed, the doorbell rang. He went to answer it and saw that it was Jackie.

Jackie, greeted Otis nervously, "How are you, Mr. Otis? Is Michelle here?"

Otis replied, "No, Michelle and Jasmine went to her classmate's house. But you are more than welcome to come in and have a seat until they come back."

Jackie thanked him and sat down on the couch. Otis stated, "Make yourself at home. How have things been going for you?"
Jackie looked around the room and replied, "Things are okay. I've had my ups and downs, but been maintaining."
Otis expressed, "Sometimes that's all you can do is maintain until things get better."